Making new friends can be daunting, so, why not sit down with your children and enjoy a book all about the joys of making friends!
Books for 1 to 3-year-olds
Monty the Manatee
By Natalie Pritchard and Natalie Merheb
Monty the Manatee is a charming, uplifting tale which explores themes of bullying and friendship and emphasises the importance of being kind. This beautifully illustrated picture book is perfect as a bedtime read. It is the first book in the Sea School Stories series.
Habu and the Lost Zebra
By Beth Solomon and Ira Baykovska
What would you do if you saw a zebra in your backyard? Would you run away? Would you shout at it? Or would you try to make friends with it? This book is suitable for toddlers and pre-schoolers. You can read it aloud to your little one, talk about the pictures, and discuss the story.
Colin and Lee, Carrot and Pea
By Morag Hood
This is an irresistible story about empathy, diversity, and the joy of making friends with people (or vegetables!) who are different from you. Colin and Lee's clear shapes, bright colours and the playful approach to everyday objects that make this book an instant favourite.
We Found a Hat
By Jon Klassen
Two turtles have found a hat. The hat looks good on both of them. But there are two turtles. And there is only one hat… This is the final instalment to the celebrated hat trilogy and covers the importance of sharing.
Books for 3 to 5-year-olds
Maybe the Moon
By Frances Ives
Eric's journey shows him that whatever the differences between people and places, we are all united and never alone when we share the same moon. Frances Ives' beautiful illustrations bring to life this charming story that features a rhyming refrain to enchant both children and parents alike.
Superworm
By Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Never fear, Superworm's here! He can fish Beetle out of a well, and rescue Toad from a busy road. But who will come to Superworm's rescue, when he's captured by a wicked Wizard Lizard? The quirky illustrations are full of charming details and the unlikely hero of the tale has immense appeal for children aged 3 and over.
Will You Be My Friend?
By Molly Potter and Sarah Jennings
What makes us a good friend? And what might make us a not-so-good friend? What can friends do together? And how do we make friends? With fun and lively illustrations, this funny book prompts children to discuss the idea of friendship with parents and peers.
Time to Make Friends
By Penny Tassoni and Mel Four
From shy to confident, quiet to enthusiastic, all children have different personalities and sometimes they just need a little help when it comes to making friends. This book uses simple words, accompanied by delightful full-colour illustrations, to support children as they make friends.
Books for 5 to 8-year-olds
I'm Sorry
By Barry Timms and Sean Julian
Two friends have a terrible quarrel, but, who will be the first to say sorry? Will apology fix their friendship? This book is an important lesson to children about meaningful apologies.
The Boys
By Lauren Ace and Jenny Lovlie
Following the adventures of four boys, this exciting book tells the story of lifelong friendships that are put to the test.
Gerald Needs a Friend
By Robin Boyden
A heartfelt picture book about the power of making friends. Gerald has everything he needs, a routine which suits him just fine. However, when Gerald meets two new mice friends, he forgets all about his routine. Will Gerald learn that having people to share experiences with is a lot more fun?
Will You Be My Friend?
By Molly Potter and Sarah Jennings
What makes us a good friend? What makes a not so good friend? Best-selling author, Molly Potter has offered up practical advice for children in this humorous and informative book. There is also information for parents and carers about how to deal with children who are experiencing friendship difficulties.
Billie Swift Takes Flight
By Iszi Lawrence
Twelve year old Billie watches a plane crash from the sky and is left wondering whether the pilot survived? When she gets involved with the Air Transport Auxiliary, she realises it may be more than she bargained for. This WWII story is brilliant for fans of Michael Morpurgo and Emma Carroll. A story of inspiration and courage.
Making Friends: A Book About First Friendships
By Amanda Mcardie
Friendships are precious. However, at a young age, they can be difficult to navigate. Amanda Mcardie's book is the perfect lesson to children about meeting new people, standing up for one another and celebrating their differences. A great tool to help children start speaking about their emotions.
The Best Place in The World
By Petr Horacek
"Do you think this is the best place in the world?". The Hare and his friends set out on an adventure to discover where the most beautiful place is. However, they quickly discover that no where is perfect without friends to enjoy it with. An enjoyable lesson to children about the importance of friendship.
Where are Maisy's Friends?
By Lucy Cousins
An enjoyable and interactive book for young children. Lift the flaps to help Maisy find her friends.
Kites
By Simon Mole
This charming poem tells the story of self-confidence in the path to making friends. David knows he needs a kite to fit in at Fivehills, but, when other kids tell him it's not quite right, will he follow his own path or go against his instincts? Simon Mole teaches the lesson of self-assurance in the path to making friends.
My Skin Your Skin
By Laura Henry-Allain MBE
This powerful book introduces children to the important topic of racism and anti-racism through accessible language and relatable examples. Importantly, teaching them what to do when they come across racism. My Skin, Your Skin is a lesson in self-love, self-esteem and self-worth - the perfect introduction to your child's learning journey.
Friends Change the World We Are the Apollo 11 Crew
By Zoë Tucker
This inspiring book tells the story of the first moon landing, who the people were and how they made it happen. Neil, Buzz and Mike together formed the Apollo 11 crew. Their friendship and teamwork brought them together to achieve a giant leap for mankind.
Friends Change the World We Are the NASA Scientists
By Zoë Tucker
Mary Jackson and Czarnecki's friendship allowed them achieve greatness, such as, sending astronauts to the moon. Although they came from completely different backgrounds, they taught each other so much. This story celebrates the power of friendship and teamwork in making the world a better place.
Sticker Dolly Dressing Up: Best Friends
By Lucy Bowman
Part of the bestselling Sticker Dolly Dressing series. Dress three best friends for a night at the movies, a sleepover, a horse-riding lesson and lots more fun activities.
A Hundred and One Daffodils
By Malachy Doyle and Denise Hoyle
Dusty the fox cub and her friends set out to find 101 daffodils to prove the arrival of spring. Will they be able to find them all and prove it really is spring? This beautifully illustrated book is brilliant for children learning to read.
Books for 9 to 12-year-olds
The Worries: Sohal Finds a Friend
By Jion Sheibani
Sohal worries a lot. When he wakes up one morning, he finds his worries; Hurt, Fail, Anger, Big and Alone have come to life. Now Sohal has to work on keeping his new worry friends under control.
Anisha, Accidental Detective: Granny Trouble
By Serena Patel
Part of the award-winning Anisha, Accidental Detective series. Following Anisha and her best friend Milo on another mischievous adventure.
The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.
By Jen Carney
This contemporary adventure follows B.U.G through the turbulent world of friendship. B.U.G becomes suspicious when the new girl at school knows a little too much about the theft of Mrs Robinson's purse and grows close to her Best Friend Layla.
Sindhu and Jeet's Detective Agency
By Chitra Soundar and Amber Huq
Sindhu and Jeet are always on detective duty. When they travel from India to England, their detective work doesn't stop. This exciting detective story is just another of Chandra Soundar's over 50 children's books published across India, the UK and the US.
Digger and Me
By Ros Roberts
This heartfelt story about friendship and finding your voice in the big wide world follows James and his best friend Digger the dog. When Digger falls ill, who will James talk to it all about?
Stick Boy
By Paul Coomey
A hilarious adventure story following newbie in town, Stick Boy. How will he and his new friends cope when they are faced with uncovering suspicious HomeBots, who are taking over every home in Little Town.
Why not try these activities inspired by Paul Coomey's book?
The Runaway Girls
By Jacqueline Wilson
A new Victorian novel by best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson. When Lucy Locket runs away from home, she meets street performer Kitty. They form a friendship and together, navigate homelessness during Victorian England. However, they soon find themselves under threat from thieves and the dreaded Workhouse!
A Different Sort of Normal
By Abigail Balfe
Abigail tells her story from being an autistic child who found the 'normal' world a difficult place to fit into. This beautiful and informative book is perfect for children who have ever felt 'different' or out of place.
The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates
By Jenny Pearson
The super funny, heart-warming adventure of three boys, one summer holiday and a few miracles along the way, from award-winning author Jenny Pearson. Lots of activities to go with this book such as spot the difference, true or false, etc. All can be found on the weblink.
The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre
By Clare Povey
This enchanting book set in Paris is a story of friendship, courage and the power of imagination. Will Bastien Bonlivre and his friends Alice, Theo and Sami be able to overthrow his villainous brother who is threatening to spread fear across the city?
